Planning a Baby Shower

Types of Baby Showers

Planning a baby shower
Gone are the days of traditional baby showers attended by women only.  Dads-to-be are more hands on then ever and they can be included in the baby shower fun too.  

Unless you are planning a surprise baby shower, there is nothing wrong with getting the mother-to-be's opinion on what type of shower, decorating ideas, what type or if games should be played, food and drink choices and any preference in colors or baby shower invitation ideas or themes. 

Don't stress over your shower theme as it already has one -- a new baby is on the way!

Baby Shower Planning Tips

  • Who?      There are two whos - Who should have the baby shower? (Anyone but the mother-to-be) and who to invite (see themes below for ideas.) 
  • What?     We've described our favorite types of baby showers below so you can take your pick what will work best for you and the parents-to-be.
  • When?   The start of the third trimester is a great time to have a shower.  Don't  wait too long as baby's can and do arrive before their due dates.
  • Where?  The location needs to keep in mind how many guests will be attending, but anywhere but the mother-to-be's home could be considered.
  • Why?      To shower the new expectant parents with love and gifts to make this beautiful time in their lives truly special.

Girls Only Baby Shower

If you choose to have a women-only baby shower, let your frilly side show!  Nothing is too pink or too girly or too elaborate for a women-only party.  Fine linens, china, silver tea service, place cards, stunning invitations, and delightful party favors, this is the party you can go all out and indulge yourself or the mother-to-be in all the wonderful things being a girl and a mom-to-be is all about.

Family Only Baby Shower

If you have a large family or your relatives are scattered all over the place, having a shower after the birth of the baby could also introduce the baby to everyone.  

Surprise Baby Shower

If you are planning a surprise baby shower, grandmother's or sisters of the mom-to-be are the perfect people to help with keeping the surprise and in helping you decide on themes, colors, decorations and the all important guest list.  

Sprinkle Baby Shower

Instead of elaborate, expensive gifts, expectant parents are "sprinkled" with baby essentials such as diapers, formula, books, onesies or other necessities.  A sprinkle baby shower is generally a shorter party and is a perfect choice for second or third children. The party is informal with usually only closest of friends and family invited. Food and drink is usually finger foods and a few drink choices.  The party can be held before or after the baby's birth. 

It's a Boy - It's A Girl Baby Shower

If the parents know the gender of the baby, you can plan a shower around that but be careful not to go overboard with all pink or all blue.  Mix in other pastels like white, yellow or green or go with bright vibrant colors in the mix like baby pink, hot pink and white or baby blue, navy blue and white.  Bright or pale greens are also popular and easy to find in invitations, decorations or favors to complete your party look. Be sure to add the sex of the baby to the baby shower invitations to help ensure gifts or clothes will be correct.

Couples Baby Shower

Co-ed or couples baby showers are more about catching up with friends and family and spending time together than playing games and frilly things women only parties might consider.  You'll want your invitations to be couple friendly and not overly feminine. If you're handing out party favors, keep the guys in mind and refrain from going too cutesy. If you do want to play games, a fun one, especially for the guys, is Diaper Olympics.

Nursery Theme Baby Shower

If there is a specific theme or color scheme for the baby's nursery, you can incorporate them into the baby shower invitations, decorations and gift registry.  

Office Baby Shower

Co-workers or a best friend at the office might decide to have a small shower during lunch or a get together after working hours.  This is a fun way to include the office in on the fun of a new baby.  You can also make lunch a gift to the mother along with one group gift or decide to only gift necessities so as not to ask everyone in the office to bring a gift.

Adoption Baby Shower

In the case of an adoption shower, usually both parents are included in the party.  Parents might be more comfortable scheduling the shower for after the child is settled in their home.  The age of the child can influence the type of shower you have.  If  the party is for a baby, a sip-and-see might be perfect. If the child is older, including cousins or other children might be appropriate and games and activities to keep them busy is a must.

After the Birth Baby Shower

With an after the birth shower, you can show off the baby, you know it's a boy or a girl, you don't have to worry about an early arrival or the baby's due date by scheduling the shower for 4-6 weeks after the due date.  You will want to keep this party short as new parents are sleep deprived, but there will be plenty of guests willing to hold the baby while the new parents mingle with guests.

Gender Reveal Baby Shower

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A Gender Reveal Baby Shower is a fun way to let everyone know a "he" or a "she" is coming.

Have the doctor put the gender of the baby in an envelope, take it to a baker and they can put blue or pink food dye in the cake mix. You can do this at a baby shower or the expectant parents can have a party with their closest friends and family and cut the cake to reveal the baby's gender. 

You can also fill a box with pink or blue balloons and open the box to reveal if there is a boy or a girl on the way!

Baby Shower Themes and Planning Ideas:

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